I am starting this thread since I haven't found what I'm looking for on any website yet. I am looking for photos or a how-to on changing the pinion oil seal on a Dana 44 rear axle of my 2000 TJ. The seal is so bad right now that the diff oil is leaking out and splattering all over the bottom of my jeep including the muffler which when it gets hot smells like a burning machine. If you smell this on your own jeep check the fron of your rear diff.

I just bught the jeep so its nothing I did but I heard that taking the jeep through deep water or rough trail riding can cause this problem. If water gets into the diff it will force the oil out through the seal.

I have a couple of main questions. Since I heard its a good idea to swap out the u-joint when doing this kind of maintenance I'm not sure of the type that would be on my jeep. Does anyone know the factor specs of the u-joint on the 2000 jeep so I can get a replacement? I was thinking about getting a Dana Spicer U-joint but I'm not sure which one to go for, that or OEM.

Also is there a crush seal on the Dana 44? I have seen this replacement done on a Dana 35C they have the crush seal but I haven't seen one on the Dana 44. Does anyone know the factor lbs-foot measurement to torque down the pinion nut?

On the D44, pull the yoke off and pull out the old seal. Replace with new seal and re-install the yoke - manufacturer says new nut and washer but I used the old one - torque to 160 ft lbs minimum (that's what the manual says). No crush sleeve on the 44. You can use a spicer 1310 u-joint.